Saturday January 31, 2026
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The Judicial Nominating Commission, led by Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr., today announced nominees to fill upcoming vacancies in Jefferson Family Court and District Court. Jefferson County is the 30th Judicial Circuit/District and the vacancies are in the circuit’s 10th Division-Family Court and the district’s 9th Division.
Family Court Judgeship
The three nominees for the circuit judgeship are attorneys Ellie Garcia Kerstetter of Audubon Park, Shelley Montgomery Santry of Louisville and Derwin Lamont Webb of Louisville.
Kerstetter has her own law practice. Prior to becoming an attorney, she gained more than 23 years of experience in business, management and real estate. She received her juris doctor from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.
Santry is an associate law professor and clinical director at the Ackerson Law Clinic at the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. She is also a guardian ad litem in Jefferson County. She previously served as an assistant prosecutor for the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office. She received her juris doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law.
Webb has his own law practice. He also serves as a court-appointed attorney in Jefferson Family Court and as a part-time public defender in Indiana. He received his juris doctor from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.
The Family Court judicial seat will become vacant when Judge Paula F. Sherlock retires Sept. 17.
District Court Judgeship
The three nominees for the district judgeship are attorneys Daniel Michael Alvarez, Andre Leon Bergeron and Tanisha Ann Hickerson, all of Louisville.
Alvarez has his own law practice and previously served as a Jefferson County public defender. He received his juris doctor from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.
Bergeron is an assistant prosecutor for the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office and is the office’s division chief, overseeing felony and misdemeanor cases. He received his juris doctor from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.
Hickerson is a partner in the law firm of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer. She received her juris doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
The District Court judicial seat will become vacant when Judge David L. Holton II retires Sept. 30.
Family Court
Family Court is a division of Circuit Court and has primary jurisdiction in cases involving family issues, including divorces, adoption, child support, domestic violence and juvenile status offenses.
District Court
District Court judges handle juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, violations, traffic offenses, probate of wills, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, small claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and cases relating to domestic violence and abuse.
Judicial Nominating Commission
The Judicial Nominating Commission helps fill judicial vacancies by appointment when a vacancy occurs outside of the election cycle. The Kentucky Constitution established the JNC. Ky. Const. § 118; SCR 6.000, et seq.
Judicial Nominating Process
When a judicial vacancy occurs, the executive secretary of the JNC publishes a notice of vacancy in the judicial circuit or the judicial district affected. Attorneys may recommend someone or nominate themselves. The names of the applicants are not released. Once nominations occur, the individuals interested in the position return a questionnaire to the Office of the Chief Justice. Chief Justice Minton then meets with the Judicial Nominating Commission to choose three nominees. Because the Kentucky Constitution requires that three names be submitted to the governor, in some cases the commission submits an attorney’s name even though the attorney did not apply. A letter naming the three nominees is sent to the governor for review. The governor has 60 days to appoint a replacement and his office makes the announcement.
Makeup of the Judicial Nominating Commission
The commission has seven members. The membership is comprised of the chief justice of Kentucky (who also serves as chair), two lawyers elected by all the lawyers in their circuit/district and four Kentucky citizens who are appointed by the governor. The four citizens appointed by the governor must equally represent the two major political parties, so two must be Democrats and two must be Republicans. It is the responsibility of the commission to submit a list of three names to the governor and the governor must appoint a judge from this list of three.
Administrative Office of the Courts
The Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort is the operations arm for the state court system. The AOC supports the activities of nearly 3,400 court system employees and 404 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget.
Attorney General Andy Beshear issued a Scam Alert today to help make Kentuckians aware of the Equifax data breach, and provided tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
Equifax, one of the nation’s three major credit-reporting agencies, recently announced a major data breach that could affect about 143 million American customers.
Equifax has indicated that from mid-May through July of this year hackers gained access to customers’ names, Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses and some driver’s license numbers. Credit card numbers of about 209,000 consumers, and personal information in credit file dispute documents for about 182,000 consumers were also accessed.
Beshear said the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection is investigating the events surrounding the data breach, including the company’s response and the protections being offered to affected Kentuckians.
“Kentuckians who may be involved should take immediate steps to closely monitor their credit, and report any suspicious credit activity to my office,” said Beshear.
The Office of the Attorney General is asking Kentuckians who might be impacted by the breach to follow these steps to help protect against identity theft:
- Check to see if your information was compromised. Verify if your personal information was impacted by visiting the Equifax website, equifaxsecurity2017.com.
- Sign up for the free credit monitoring service. Equifax is offering a free year of TrustedID Premier credit file monitoring and ID theft protection for all U.S. consumers, whether or not their information was impacted. To sign up for the protection service, visit equifaxsecurity2017.com or call 866-447-7559, which is open every day, including weekends, from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern time.
- Follow the Identity Theft Toolkit. The Office of the Attorney General’s online Identity Theft Toolkit provides systematic instructions on how to respond to possible identity theft. The toolkit includes information on how to place a credit report fraud alert, order credit reports and other helpful resources and contact information.
- Report suspicious activity. Contact the Attorney General’s data breach hotline, toll free at 855-813-6508 if you are a victim of a data breach or identity theft.
As part of Beshear’s effort to protect Kentucky families from scams, fraud and identity theft he launched Scam Alerts – the state’s first direct text and email scam notification system.
Kentuckians have recently received Scam Alerts on Hurricane Harvey scams, IRS scams Targeting Western Kentuckians and a scam targeting Kentuckians’ generosity to veterans.
To stay up to date on new and trending scams Kentuckians should sign up to receive Scam Alerts from the Office of the Attorney General. To enroll text the words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311), or enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams and select text message or email alert.
Initial work on a construction project designed to enhance transportation ingress and egress at Churchill Downs Racetrack will temporarily alter traffic and parking for a segment of guests who plan to attend the Louisville racetrack’s upcoming September Meet.
Guests are advised to visit www.ChurchillDowns.com/Parking in advance of attending the historic racetrack to view recommended alternative routes and a complete list of guest-appropriate temporary lots.
The September Meet at Churchill Downs begins Friday, Sept. 15, and Thoroughbred racing will continue for 11 days on a Thursday-Sunday schedule through Oct. 1.
The construction project is in a preliminary stage until final approvals and permits from Louisville Metro Government are realized. The improvements aim to advance the overall traffic and parking flow for guests who visit the historic racetrack throughout the year, including the high-volume crowds of Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup weeks. Additional aspects of the development include a promenade for guests to safely enter and exit the racetrack from and to the parking and loading/drop-off areas, and much-needed landscaping to an area at the facility mostly devoid of trees and plantings.
Parking lots will be reshaped, and the project could include traffic alternatives on the west side of its property. Discussions with neighborhood groups and city agencies and officials are underway to close select side streets in a nearly 50-acre area located within the track’s geographic footprint.
Current project work includes temporary lot closures and detours. Signs, electronic message boards and personnel will be in place to alert guests about the temporary closures and direct them to appropriate parking lots. Each lot will include handicapped parking. Gate 17 drop-offs are still allowed by heading south on 9th St. off of Central Ave.
Recommended alternative routes and guest-appropriate temporary lots are as follows:
GENERAL PARKING – General parking at Churchill Downs remains free-of-charge on a first-come, first-serve basis in the track’s largest parking lot via Longfield Avenue near Gate 10.
VALET – Valet Parking remains accessible via Longfield Avenue near Gate 10. Valet parking is $10 and may be purchased in advance as an add-on item during online http://www.ticketmaster.com/ purchases.
TURF CLUB – Members of the Churchill Downs Turf Club with reserved parking hangtag credentials will enter the temporary Purple Lot through Gate 12, which is best accessed by heading east on Queen Ave. off of Taylor Blvd. Courtesy shuttle transport to and from Gates 1 and 17 will be available.
JOCKEY CLUB SUITES – Jockey Club Suites guests with reserved parking hangtag credentials will enter the temporary Purple Lot through Gate 12, which is best accessed by heading east on Queen Ave. off of Taylor Blvd. Courtesy shuttle transport to and from Gates 1 and 17 will be available.
FINISH LINE SUITES – Finish Line Suites guests with reserved parking hangtag credentials will park in their customary Red Lot, which is best accessed by heading south on 9th St. off of Central Ave.
TSC ELITE VIP – TSC Elite members with reserved parking hangtag credentials will park in their customary Red Lot, which is best accessed by heading south on 9th St. off of Central Ave.
OWNERS/TRAINERS – Owners and trainers with reserved parking hangtag credentials will park in their customary Red Lot, which is best accessed by heading south on 9th St. off of Central Ave.
JOCKEYS – Jockeys with reserved parking hang tag credentials will temporarily park in the Red Lot, which is best accessed by heading south on 9th St. off of Central Ave.
ADA ACCESSIBLE PARKING – Parking for persons with disabilities remains available free-of-charge on a first-come, first-serve basis in the track’s largest parking lot via Longfield Avenue near Gate 10.
TAXI/RIDE-SHARE SERVICE – Taxi and ride-share service remains available near Gate 17 by heading south on 9th St. off of Central Ave.
BUSES – Buses should park in general parking via Gate 12, which is best accessed by heading east on Queen Ave. off of Taylor Blvd.
KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM – Parking for Kentucky Derby Museum guests may be accessed by heading south on 9th St. off of Central Ave. Parking will be available on the left near the intersection of 9th St. and Central Ave.
EMPLOYEES – Full-time employees of Churchill Downs Racetrack with reserved parking hangtag credentials will temporarily park in the Infield. Seasonal employees will park in Lot 1, which is best accessed by heading east on Queen Ave. off of Taylor Blvd.
Congratulations to our August Sanitation and Food Excellence (SAFE) Award winner, St. Joseph Children’s Home.
To be eligible for nomination, a food service establishment must:
- have maintained an A placard for two successive routine inspections
- serve foods such as meat or egg products, which if mishandled, have the potential to be associated with food borne illness
- must have their food service permit for at least one year
- have a history of compliance with regulations
- have certified food maagers as required by LMCO Ch. 118
The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) will sponsor the 2017 Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship Sept. 11-12 at the Louisville Marriott East in Louisville. More than 200 campus regents, higher education and policy leaders are expected to attend.
CPE President Bob King will kick off the conference on Monday at 1:30 p.m. with an opening plenary on the state of higher education in Kentucky.
Also featured on the first day will be University of Maryland, Baltimore County President Freeman Hrabowski, named by U.S. News and World Report as one America’s 10 best higher education leaders and as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2012.
Tuesday’s line-up features:
- Arizona Board of Regents President Eileen Klein will discuss IMPACT ARIZONA, the state’s effort to increase educational attainment.
- Tom Sugar, president of Complete College America, will highlight the alliance’s initiatives to advance game-changing strategies to support college completions goals.
- CPE President Bob King will discuss Kentucky’s new performance funding model and strategic agenda for postsecondary education and outline key initiatives to accelerate degree production, employment and economic growth.
- A legislative panel, moderated by KET’s Renee Shaw, will feature Senate Majority Leader Mike Wilson, Senate Minority Leader Morgan McGarvey and Reps. James Tipton and Derrick Graham.
- Gov. Matt Bevin will deliver the luncheon remarks, followed by the presentation of the 2017 Acorn and OAK awards, which recognize faculty and alumni excellence.
Additionally, breakout sessions on both days will address a range of key topics including higher education governance, legal issues facing colleges and universities, change leadership, campus diversity, affordability and college-workforce alignment.
New to the programming this year are specific tracks for board members appointed in 2017. Attendance at these sessions will fulfill the statutory training and orientation requirements set forth by HB 15 (2016).
The agenda at-a-glance is available at http://cpe.ky.gov/trusteeship/.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer workshops and services in September to help keep families safe and healthy including car and booster seat fitting stations by Norton’s Children Hospital; a Healthy Living Club; a Diabetes Self-Management Series; and a Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Sept. 5, Car Seat Fitting at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 629-7358 for an appointment. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat at this car seat fitting station offered by Norton’s Children’s Hospital. Find out if it’s time for a change.
Sept. 5, Free Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
Sept 5, 12, 19, 26, and Oct 3, Free Crockpot Cooking Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register for this activity. Learn about healthy eating and try new crockpot recipes at these free classes. Attend all classes and earn a crockpot at the end of the class sessions.
Sept. 5, 7, 11, and 14, WeCare Energy Efficiency Overview
Call 1-800-356-5467 for more information. Representatives from the WeCare Program at LG&E will be on hand to talk with interested persons about energy efficiency, energy usage and tips to reduce utility bills. WeCare staff can also help determine if households are eligible for a variety of free services including air duct sealing and insulation, attic and wall insulation, programmable thermostats and much more.
- Sept. 5, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place at Valley, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 10 a.m. – noon
- Sept. 7, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Sept. 11, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – noon
- Sept. 14, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – noon
Sept. 5, 6, 12 and 14, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby
For more information and RSVP, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400 or via email at Melynda.Mason@centerstone.org. Join us at to explore the do’s and don’ts of a healthy pregnancy in a free, fun setting. Seven Counties and KIDSNow Plus will host an educational baby shower to share information on how to care for yourself and your baby while being pregnant. Pregnant attendees receive a baby tote filled with baby items and a gas/gift card, with more chances to win prizes like gift/layette set(s), bottle sets and more. Fathers are welcome.
- Sept. 5, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- Sept. 6, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 West Market Street, 10am -noon
- Sept. 12,Greater Cane Run Area Neighborhood Place, 3410 Lees Ln., 1 – 3 p.m.
- Sept. 14, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 1 – 3 p.m.
Tuesdays, Couponing Support Group at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register or for more information. Learn tips and money saving ideas to help build extra financial wealth in using coupons while grocery shopping.
Sept. 6 and 20, Legal Aid Office Hours at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 485-7130 for more information. A Legal Aid Society staff member will be on hand to answer questions, talk about cases that Legal Aid handles and provide referrals.
Sept. 8 and 22, Choices Domestic Violence Educational Workshop at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 2 – 4 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market Street. Call 313-4892 to register. The workshop is facilitated by the Center for Women and Families’ domestic violence advocates, a psycho-educational group for women, men, and teens who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships. The objectives of the group are to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and the supportive services that are available; support and encourage participants’ healing and reconciliation of their experiences; and to prepare the participants to practice self-care and engage in healthy relationships going forward.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
Sept. 11 and 19, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 574-4516 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
- Sept. 11, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 574-4516 for more information
- Sept. 19, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
Sept. 12, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 363-1483 for more information. Join the support group on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight. This month, a representative from Walgreens Pharmacy will be on hand to review medications and give helpful information on how to ensure you are getting the best results from your prescription plan.
Sept, 12, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Sept. 13, Child Booster Seat Event at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 4 – 6 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Pre-registration is required by calling 502-629-7244. Norton’s Children’s Hospital will be on hand to provide free booster seats for those who pre-register, and conduct booster seat checks. All children under 8 years old or 57 inches are required to ride in a child restraint. A vehicle seat belt does not fit a child safely until they are 57 inches tall.
Sept. 19 and 27, Community Dental Care Information Sessions
Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs.
- Sept. 19, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Sept. 27, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place at Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Sept. 27, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place at Valley, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Sept. 19, Diabetes Self-Management Class Series at First Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2:30 pm.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Registration required by calling 574-6663. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have been diabetic for years and need a refresher, this class is for you. Topics covered will include what are diabetes, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, and goal setting. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
Sept. 21, Legal Aid Representative at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 363-1483 for more information. A representative from Legal Aid will be on hand to discuss issues surrounding domestic violence, Emergency Protective Orders and making a safety plan for all family members. Stop by to discuss your situation. All matters are confidential.
The sight of colorful kites flying through the air will punctuate a wonderful family event hosted at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, September 16.
The first-ever “Family Kite Festival” will take place on the grounds of the historic home and farm, located in southwest Louisville at 7410 Moorman Road. Admission to the Kite Festival is free, although concessions will be offered for sale.
Activities include performances from the Chicago Kite Team and Aloft Stationary Kites; stilt walkers; bubble making, kite making and balsa wood airplane making stations; and games and complimentary tours (donations accepted) of the Farnsley-Moremen House. In addition, the LMPD display helicopter will also be at the festival for kids to enjoy.
“This promises to be a unique event for Louisville and we hope it becomes a popular tradition for years to come,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Metro Parks and Recreation. “It should be a lot of fun for the entire family, whether you’re an experienced kite maker or just interested in trying out something new.”
“I’m excited to have this first-ever kite festival take place at the lovely Riverside, the Farnsley-Moreman Landing. This will be a great event for young and old alike. Please plan on attending this free event on September 16,” said Councilwoman Cindi Fowler, who represents District 14 in southwest Louisville.
